Look to compassionate side

AN approach to Syariah that lacks “a just balance” and “compassion” has triumphed yet again. By withdrawing a clause that would have put an end to the unilateral conversion of children by the parent who has converted to Islam, the Government has failed to prioritise the wellbeing of the child which is an important principle of Islamic jurisprudence.

Since unilateral child conversions have generated so much friction and caused so much pain for so many years, the new Bill presented to Parliament on Tuesday which legitimises such acts is a huge disappointment.